Contestant on "Love On the Spectrum" from Massachusetts hopes to change perception of autism
Pari, a local student at Lesley University, is not only seeking love but also bringing a unique perspective to the show as a member of the queer community. As someone on the autism spectrum, Pari's story is one of navigating life, love, and stereotypes.
"I used to think I was the only one who liked the things I liked or felt so alone," said Pari. "I never knew there were so many other people on the spectrum too."
Passion for trains
Her involvement in the show aims to challenge the way autism is portrayed and to broaden the narrative of who can fall in love. But it is not just about breaking down barriers. Pari's biggest passion in life is something many might not expect: trains. Specifically, the trains of Boston's famous "T" system. Her connection to the trains is more than just a hobby; it is a passion that she holds dear to her heart. She hoped to find a partner who shares that same love for trains, and without spoiling the show, it seems like she was successful.
Pari told WBZ-TV her new partner is perfect.
"She wears blue a lot and I wear purple," she said. "She's like the Amtrak to my Commuter Rail."
Hopes to have a positive impact
It is a bold step for Pari to put her journey in front of the world, but she is determined that it will have a positive impact. She said she has experienced bullying in the past, and believes this show will make a statement for her.
"There's some bullies who have said, 'You're weird for liking trains because you're a girl' and stuff and nasty comments, the trolls and haters. But I hope this will show them that I can be who I want to be and break down stereotypes. You can like trains, you can like princesses, nobody's ever too old or too young for that."
Fans can catch Pari in the season premiere of "Love on the Spectrum" on April 2 on Netflix.
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It was genius! And what do you think of the success of , given your roots in ? Leder: I think it's incredible. I love The Pitt. I think it's an extraordinary show. It's so incredible to watch. Noah Wyle who I worked with when he was 24 years old, and now he's a 53-year-old grown-up man, sexy as f--k, and just incredible human and what a performance. Glatter: I think we were at dinner at John [Wells'] house when he was talking about this. I love the fact that he took this tried-and-true genre, rediscovered it for this time and place, and put Noah as a leading man. His performance moves my heart. It makes me so happy to see this, so happy that people I love and respect are doing such extraordinary work. What have you learned over the course of your careers? What advice would you give to somebody trying to break into filmmaking now? Glatter: Tell the stories you want to tell, and that it only takes one yes. You will get dozens of nos, but it only takes one yes, and you can't give up. So you have to be incredibly tenacious, and you can't forget the joy, because if you become hard and bitter about how difficult the climb is, once you get there, you won't be there to enjoy the process. So it's this tricky balance. It takes a lot of opposing things. You have to have strength and clarity, but you also need a lot of compassion. You need to be a great planner and know exactly what you want, but you need to be completely open to possibility. So embrace all the contrary aspects of this, and don't stop now, because things are really difficult now, but we need all kinds of stories. Oh, and remember to reapply lipstick. Mimi and I are firm believers in a fresh coat of lipstick. Leder: I very much agree with everything Lesli said. You have to remain open. Your heart has to be open to change. You have to be able to lose your location, or you lose a piece of equipment, you're out in the desert and you don't have an arm to dolly into the window. Well, build an arm. You have to be tenacious. You gotta be willing to jump off the cliff with your actors and go into the deep end. You have to love every single moment, even if it hurts. Even when negative stuff comes at you turn it into a positive and just make it work. You have to just find the truth in every story and every character in every moment. And as Lesli said, find the joy. If you don't have the passion, you shouldn't be doing it. And change your shoes at lunch. Glatter: We have to be grateful that we're on this journey, because not everyone gets to be on it. Be fearless. And for me personally, if I don't feel that fear and passion, it would be time to move on. But thank God, every time I read something that I get so excited about, I'm like the fires burn that bright. I'm not done, not hardly at all. Leder: No, me neither. I'm not done. They're going to throw me out. Glatter: I'm going to be rolling to set with my walker and my oxygen tank. We can roll together. 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